Cameroon hit reset button ahead of 2025 AFCON

They announced both a coaching change and a reshaped squad as the Indomitable Lions prepare for a high-pressure campaign.

Marc Brys has been dismissed as head coach following the re-election of Samuel Eto'o as federation president and a disappointing failure to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sportstar reported.

Cameroon finished second in their African qualifying group behind Senegal, advancing to the continental play-offs as one of the best runners-up, but their run ended in the semi-finals against eventual winners DR Congo.

In response, FECAFOOT has turned to 56-year-old David Pagou to steer a new direction, with Martin Ntoungou Mpile appointed as his assistant.

The move signals a decisive break from the previous regime as Cameroon attempts to regain its competitive edge.

Pagou's first major decision - unveiling the AFCON squad - has already sparked debate. Two of the country's most recognisable stars, goalkeeper André Onana and veteran striker Vincent Aboubakar, have been omitted.

Aboubakar, a 2017 AFCON champion and owner of 116 caps, is one of nine players dropped from the November squad, marking one of the boldest selection overhauls in recent years.

Four players have earned their maiden senior call-ups, including Edouard Sombang, Gerzino Nyamsi and Christian Kofane, signalling FECAFOOT's intent to refresh the squad's core.

Premier League duo Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United and Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion are among the key names expected to lead the team's AFCON challenge.

Cameroon, drawn into what appears to be the tournament's group of death, face a daunting route to the knockout stages. Group F features defending champions Ivory Coast, fellow play-off casualties Gabon and a resurgent Mozambique.

With sweeping changes, rising uncertainty and stiff competition ahead, Cameroon's AFCON journey now begins under a cloud of expectation - and enormous pressure.

Cameroon AFCON squad:

Goalkeepers:

Devis Epassy (Dinamo Bucharest)

Simon Omossola (St Eloi Lupopo)

Simon Ngapandouetnbu (Montpellier)

Edouard Sombang (Colombe Du Dja)

Defenders:

Samuel Kotto (Gent)

Gerzino Nyamsi (Lokomotiv Moscow)

Jean-Charles Castelletto (Al-Duhail)

Nouhou Tolo (Seattle Sounders)

Flavien Enzo Boyomo (Osasuna)

Mahamadou Nagida (Rennes)

Christopher Wooh (Spartak Moscow)

Junior Tchamadeu (Stoke City)

Darlin Yongwa (FC Lorient)

Midfielders:

Martin Ndzie (Rapid Vienna)

Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Arthur Avom (FC Lorient)

Eric-Junior Dina Ebimbe (Brest)

Brice Ambina (Valerenga)

Jean Junior Onana (Genoa)

Olivier Kemen (Istanbul B.B)

Forwards:

Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United)

Christian Bassogog (Al-Okhdood)

George-Kevin N'koudou (Al-Diriyah)

Danny Namaso (Auxerre)

Frank Magri (Toulouse)

Karl Etta Eyong (Levante)

Christian Kofane (Bayer Leverkusen)

Patrick Soko (Almeria)